How Much Lead? Part II

“To improve any skill requires change.

Consider stepping out of your comfort zone.”

With that in mind, here’s one of the foundation principles in the Paragon CIS Instructor certification program.

At Paragon, we believe that fundamentals are the core, the framework that ultimately encompasses all that is required for success. Because everything is built on basics. Truth be known, there are no advanced techniques. The alleged 'advanced' shooter merely executes the basics smoother, more efficiently and faster than others. If a shooter wants to improve his/her shooting, they can do so by learning, understanding and repeating the basics at a more proficient level. 

Previously, I suggested we apply some tough love on the Maintained Lead (ML) shooting method. Why? Of ALL the problems my students and shooters in general face, trying to “measure leads” typically causes the most struggle and stress. Meaning, we should discard ML? No. I personally recommend and teach ML for Skeet and a Sporting Clay target presentation. On those targets…it is shooting method # 1 and works beautifully. However, when our Sporting Clays crossing target presentations begin to pick up speed and distance…as they do everywhere…there are better, more dependable methods. 

Allow me to point out a condition before the next method (and every method) can work consistently. That condition being…gun control…i.e., correctly managing our setup and swing movements. Before the target is called for and during the swing, start to finish. And yes, of course, targets can be broken with an incorrect swing. But not consistently. Here’s why.

Those of you who have worked with me or read my books (Thank You) are familiar with my term “random gun movement.” RGM. It’s those setup and swing errors (RGM) that create the loss of swing “precision.” Lose your precision, lose your target…regardless of individual or skill level, because an inconsistent swing with RGM cannot break targets consistently. For a method to be dependable and consistent…yesterday, today and tomorrow…the shooter must first set up and build the swing correctly.

 Here’s the next shooting method, designed to work on our Sporting Clays “crossing” target presentations. This method is commonly known as Pull Away (PA). PA was introduced in England by Clarence Wilson of Little Mill Shooting Ground in 1947. This method and others are explained in my 3 books Take Your Best Shot, To The Target and Beyond The Target (Daniel Schindler). These books offer a direct path to better shooting and higher scores. Written in clear, simple plain language to help shooters of all skill levels take the mystery out of shooting and move your game forward. 

Years ago, the Examiner in our instructor certification class said, “90% of the top shooters in the world are pulling away from their target when they pull the trigger.” Time has shown me, as a teacher and serious competitor, IMHO, he underestimated the percentage. Long experience has shown me, it is rare to see a successful shooter, including the Big Dawgs, who isn’t showing some degree of pulling away from the target at the trigger pull.

With PA, in the beginning and middle of the swing, the gun can be a) on the target; b) slightly behind the target; or c) slightly ahead of the target. All work. This is the necessary precision I spoke of earlier. Each shooter’s strengths and preferences will suggest whether he/she is to continue using a), b), or c) on a regular basis. What remains constant, however, is the pull away followed by a prompt trigger pull. 

Please remember, the movement of pulling away from the target is NOT intended to open the lead to see a space and measure it. That measuring is what contributes to RGM and all the other problems. When the muzzle is leaving the target (not before)…pull the trigger. Now, please. No measuring. X X X X. Trust the gun acceleration…the push…to break the bird. It will. Dependably.

To summarize…to create gun control early in the swing…precision is critical. Next, there is a cadence, a rhythm to the pull-away move. It’s not fast, slow, aggressive, or tentative. The pull-away move is graceful, a smooth acceleration away from the target. This acceleration is trusted to break the target. Because it can be trusted. PA not only eliminates all the confusing lead measuring, it assures the necessary swing follow-through.

Forgive my one last note. Please don’t pull away to see/measure a lead. That won’t work. Sorry, that’s Maintained Lead. On the other hand…PA has proven to be successful countless millions of times. This method is uber-dependable and totally trustworthy. A foundation method for crossing targets.

“Improvement is not an event.

It is a journey, experienced with change,

patience & determination.”

Next time we’ll look at another successful shooting method. Until then, be safe and I hope to see you out on the course.

Sign up for the Paragon Newsletter  Click Here

Please share the link with your fellow shooters. Thank you!

XXXX

About Dan Schindler

Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays, Skeet, Trap & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and making their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!  

Dan Schindler's Books

"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors

and parents of youth shooters."

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.

To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.

Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.

Here's what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition

To The Target (Book II)

Beyond The Target (Book III)